The above map is for quick reference purposes only and may not be to scale.
For a copy of the full scale map, please see the attached PDF - 1004328 .pdf

The PDF will be generated from our live systems and may take a few minutes to download depending on how busy our servers are. We apologise for this delay.

This copy shows the entry on 15-Sep-2019 at 10:46:23.

Location

The building or site itself may lie within the boundary of more than one authority.

Location Description:

Legacy Record - This information may be included in the List Entry Details.

District:

Cornwall (Unitary Authority)

Parish:

St. Keverne

National Grid Reference:

SW 75549 16517

Reasons for Designation

Promontory forts are a type of hillfort in which conspicuous naturally defended sites are adapted as enclosures by the construction of one or more earth or stone ramparts placed across the neck of a spur in order to divide it from the surrounding land. Coastal situations, using headlands defined by steep natural cliffs, are common while inland similar topographic settings defined by natural cliffs are also used. The ramparts and accompanying ditches formed the main artificial defence, but timber palisades may have been erected along the cliff edges. Access to the interior was generally provided by an entrance through the ramparts. The interior of the fort was used intensively for settlement and related activities, and evidence for timber- and stone- walled round houses can be expected, together with the remains of buildings used for storage and enclosures for animals. Promontory forts are generally Iron Age in date, most having been constructed and used between the sixth century BC and the mid-first century AD. They are broadly contemporary with other types of hillfort. They are regarded as settlements of high status, probably occupied on a permanent basis, and recent interpretations suggest that their construction and choice of location had as much to do with display as defence. Promontory forts are rare nationally with less than 100 recorded examples. They are important for understanding the nature of social organisation in the later prehistoric period. The promontory fort at Lankidden survives well and will contain archaeological and environmental evidence relating to its construction, longevity, territorial significance, social organisation, agricultural practices, domestic arrangements and overall landscape context.

Details

The monument includes a promontory fort, situated on the coastal headland of Linkidden, which terminates at Carrick Luz. The fort survives as an irregularly-shaped enclosed area, defined by steep coastal cliffs on all except the northern landward side where a single 4m high rampart with a largely buried up to 0.5m deep ditch crosses the headland and defines the fort.
The fort was first described by Thomas in 1851. It is known locally as either 'Lankidden' or 'Carrick Luz Fort'.

Sources: HER:-
PastScape Monument No:-426464

Legacy

The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.

Legacy System number:

CO 685

Legacy System:

RSM - OCN

Legal

This monument is scheduled under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 as amended as it appears to the Secretary of State to be of national importance. This entry is a copy, the original is held by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

The information and images below are the opinion of the contributor, are not part of the official entry and do not represent the official position of Historic England. We have not checked that the contributions below are factually accurate. Please see our terms and conditions. If you wish to report an issue with a contribution or have a question please email [email protected].